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Blackened Salmon Tacos with Tangy Slaw

This dish features salmon fillets coated in a smoky, spicy spice mixture, pan-seared to develop a crispy crust while remaining tender inside. The tacos are topped with a crunchy, tangy slaw that adds freshness and brightness, resulting in a dish with bold flavors and varied textures. The final presentation involves assembling the crispy salmon in warm tortillas, complemented by the crisp slaw for a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Coastal
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets skinless or skin-on as preferred
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
  • 2 cups cabbage (green or purple) thinly shredded
  • 1 carrot large carrot grated
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey optional for sweetness
  • 8 small tortillas corn or flour tortillas

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Combine smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl to create the spice mix.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, until you see a light shimmer. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if skin-on, and let cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until a dark crust forms and the fish releases easily.
  3. Flip the salmon gently using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fillets are cooked through and the crust is crispy. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes while you prepare the slaw.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrot. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a tangy dressing. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until everything is evenly coated and slightly wilted from the acidity.
  5. Slice the rested salmon fillets into thick, bite-sized pieces, exposing the tender, flaky interior. Arrange the salmon pieces on a plate and warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  6. To assemble each taco, place a few pieces of salmon on a warm tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of the tangy slaw. Fold the tortilla and press lightly to hold everything together.
  7. Serve the tacos immediately, garnished with extra herbs or lime if desired. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and refreshing flavors in every bite.